'No kings': US protesters mark 250th anniversary of American Revolution with mass anti-Trump rallies

Thousands of people took to the streets across the United States on Saturday to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by calling for "no kings" in government and denouncing what they see as an increasingly authoritarian presidency under Donald Trump.

The demonstrations reflected a growing wave of discontent with Trump, who, since his inauguration in January, has taken sweeping steps to dismantle federal institutions, roll back First Amendment protections, and deport immigrants, including permanent residents.

The previous day, on 18 April, church bells rang out across the country to commemorate the moment in 1775 when British troops marched from Boston to Concord, Massachusetts - an act that sparked the colonial resistance and ultimately ignited the American Revolution. The following day, 19 April, the first armed clash took place, marked by the legendary "shot heard around the world".

From coast to coast - and in communities in between - protesters rallied at city halls, downtown plazas, beaches, and even Tesla dealerships to voice opposition to Trump and his influential megadonor, Elon Musk, who heads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

In San Francisco, demonstrators gathered Saturday morning on the beach to form a large human sign spelling out "Impeach and Remove". Later, crowds assembled at City Hall before marching en masse to a nearby Tesla dealership, which has become the site of near-daily protests and is now largely devoid of customers.

Outside the showroom, protesters chanted "Deport Elon!" - a pointed reference to the South African-born naturalised American and Tesla CEO, who is widely seen as spearheading Trump’s efforts to shrink the federal government and dismantle key social welfare systems.

Steve Harper, a retired local resident leading anti-Musk chants through a megaphone, told The New Arab he came out to defend American democracy.

"I'm here to take down Tesla," he said. "Our democracy is in serious jeopardy. We have a dictator about to take over, and something’s gotta be done."

For Harper, one issue rises above the rest: Social Security. "What’s closest to me is Social Security. I’ve been on it for two years, and I paid into it for 47 years,” he said. “If it’s taken away, I’ll have to go back to work."

Asked about his activism, Harper replied: "I've been going to demonstrations several times a week. This is my fourth one today."

"I'm very dedicated," he added. "I’m retired, so I’m not going to sit at home on my couch. I’m going to do everything I can."

Indeed, anti-Trump protests in many major cities have shifted from weekly to daily events, often held in multiple locations.

From the Tesla dealership, thousands marched to Union Square in downtown San Francisco, where activists delivered brief speeches on democracy, social welfare, and the US government’s human rights obligations abroad, including in El Salvador and Gaza. Organisers opened with a reminder that while not everyone would agree on every issue, their shared commitment to protecting democracy should unite them.

The march continued into Chinatown, in a show of solidarity with immigrants living under the threat of deportation.

As demonstrators moved through the densely populated neighbourhood, past shops selling vegetables and spices, residents stepped out to watch - some waving from balconies, others joining the march spontaneously.

Katarina Cirillo, a local resident, joined in after hearing the crowd from her apartment.

"When I heard people marching by, I grabbed my slippers and my keys because I wanted to fight for something I believe in," she told The New Arab.

"I think everyone who came out today knows how brave they had to be," she said. "Just showing your face in opposition right now is actually terrifying. We don’t have free speech in America anymore."

Cirillo expressed deep concern for her neighbours.

"Every day, I worry that ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] will storm my building. Everyone who lives here - except me - is an immigrant. And they’re good people."